Self-spotting safety bench press

ABSTRACT

This invention is a Self Spotting Safety Bench Press composed of an adjustable bench and uprights located on either side of the bench adjacent the lifters upper body. Lifting arms extend from the uprights into the barbells pathway and have the ability to slide up and down to contact the barbell and decrease the weight exerted on the exerciser. Hydraulic cylinders provide force to each lifting arm, which is depressed below the barbells path before use. When assistance is needed, the exerciser releases a hydraulic restrictor valve causing the arms to ascend removing a user-determined amount of weight from the barbell while permitting the user to continue performing repetitions. A second restrictor valve can allow only upward movement should the exerciser fail. A third flow restrictor valve adjusts the rate of arm travel. An air charged hydraulic accumulator provides the hydraulic pressure to the cylinders.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of patent applicationSer. No. 10/123,932, filed Apr. 16, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] (1) Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to free weight exercise equipment, andspecifically to an improved self-spotting bench press.

[0004] (2) Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The use of barbells, i.e., free weights, for conditioning andenhancement of the body's musculature is widely practiced by a varietyof people. Often, these people prefer to weight lift in the privacy oftheir home, and when they feel like weight lifting.

[0006] Most common weight training is executed with a spotter, i.e.,someone who can assist the lifter when they become fatigued or arehaving difficulty or are about to drop the weight. Style, communication,consistency and reaction time are all factors that vary when beingspotted. These factors are major deterrents to using a human spotter.However, to weight lift without a spotter may be dangerous to the weightlifter. Without a spotter to grab the barbell and prevent the barbellfrom dropping on the weight lifter, there is a significant danger ofserious injury due to fatigue or improper technique. This danger existsin situations from private to professional weight lifting.

[0007] The danger of crushing ones chest performing the bench pressexercise is a great concern. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,164 to Kullman et al(1999) shows a device that lifts the weight from the lifter's chest.While this device removes the weight from the lifter's chest, itutilizes cables that increase setup time and can cause increased ordecreased resistance due to contact with the barbell. U.S. Pat. No.6,086,520 to Rodriquez (2000) shows a device that also lifts the weightfrom the lifter's chest using a spring/motor combination. This devicelacks the ability to adjust the amount of assist, and rate of lift toeach lifter's preference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,394 to Killios (1994)describes a spotting machine that requires power to operate an electricmotor that limits the machine to an area supplied with a power source.

[0008] All the machines heretofore known suffer from one or more of thefollowing disadvantages:

[0009] a. Not being adjustable to suit each individual lifter's spottingpreference, such as whether the spotting mechanism should assist thelifter by removing a fraction of the weight, remove all the weight, ornot be used at all, and rate at which the spotting mechanism lifts theweight.

[0010] b. Not enabling the lifter to continue repetitions while beingassisted by the spotting device and still having the ability to lock thespotting device preventing the weight from falling on or crushing thelifter.

[0011] c. Requiring electrical power.

[0012] d. Using barbell attachments such as cables that impede motion.

[0013] e. Using a greater quantity of material and being significantlylarger and therefore heavier than traditional bench presses. This ismore costly and discourages their use in private homes.

[0014] f. Not enabling the lifter to use the device with a humanspotter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to a safety device for supporting abarbell above a weightlifting bench, and to an apparatus comprised ofthe safety device in combination with a weightlifting bench.

[0016] Generally, the apparatus is comprised of first and second spaced,elongated uprights positionable on opposite sides of the head or upperend of a weightlifting bench head end. Each of the uprights includes aslotted, elongated outer housing, a rod longitudinally aligned withinthe housing, and a sleeve slidable on the rod between raised and loweredpositions. A horizontal barbell support arm is attachable to the innerend at various positions along the sleeve and extending outwardly fromthe housing through a first slot in the direction of the bench. Thesupport arms are parallel and lie in a horizontal plane above the bench,with the arm intersecting the path of the barbell when it is beinglifted.

[0017] First and second hydraulic cylinders are positioned alongside thefirst and second uprights respectfully. Each hydraulic cylinder is of aconventional design and is comprised of a tubular section with ahydraulic fluid inlet adjacent its lower end. A rod projects outwardlyfrom the upper end of the cylinder. The inner end of the rod isconnected to a piston within the cylinder. When hydraulic fluid entersthe interior of the tubular section, the rod telescopes outwardly fromthe tubular section. The distal end of each cylinder is connected to anupright sleeve and the tubular section is affixed to the uprighthousing. Thus, as the rod is extended under the pressure of hydraulicfluid, the sleeve and attached support arm is caused to move upwardly.

[0018] The present invention also includes an accumulator for actuatingeach hydraulic cylinder. The accumulator has a pressure vessel casingcontaining a compressible medium and a hydraulic fluid, wherein thecompressible medium is precharged to a desired pressure to exert a forceon the hydraulic fluid. The accumulator is connected through a hydraulicfluid valve to fluid lines connected to each hydraulic cylinder. Whenthe hydraulic fluid valve is opened, fluid flows from the accumulator tothe hydraulic cylinders.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the accumulator has no internalmoving parts. In this embodiment, the accumulator's pressure vesselcasing encloses an upper internal region and a lower internal region.The accumulator's lower internal region is filled with hydraulic fluidand its upper internal region is filled with a compressible medium,preferably air. Hydraulic lines serve as fluid conduits between thehydraulic cylinders and the accumulator's lower internal region. Thehydraulic lines are connected to a three-way hydraulic valve thatcontrols and directs the flow of hydraulic fluid between the accumulatorand the hydraulic cylinders. The three-way hydraulic valve has a firstposition that only allows hydraulic fluid to flow to the hydrauliccylinders, a second position that only allows hydraulic fluid to flowinto the accumulator and a third position that allows the hydraulicfluid to travel in either direction.

[0020] The hydraulic lines or alternately, the three-way valve isconnected to one or more ports that pass through the pressure vesselcasing into the lower internal region of the accumulator. Moreover, oneor more flow dispersion devices such as a baffle can be positionedwithin the hydraulic lines or ports to prevent an excess of air bubblesfrom forming in the hydraulic fluid.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment, there is no partition separating thehydraulic fluid from the compressible medium. Therefore, to prevent thecompressible medium from flowing into the hydraulic lines duringactuation of the cylinders, the ports to the hydraulic lines should belocated below the lowest expected level of hydraulic fluid. Thus, it ispreferred that the ports to the hydraulic lines are located near thelowest level of the accumulator's lower internal region.

[0022] It is important to note that neither the compressible medium northe hydraulic fluid needs to be pumped during an actuation of thehydraulic cylinders. Instead, the force needed to lift the hydrauliccylinders is provided by the release of energy stored as a result of theprecharge compression of the compressible medium. Thus, as long as theinitial precharge of compressible medium is preserved by not allowingsignificant portions to be released, there is no need for either ahydraulic or pneumatic pump.

[0023] However, as a practical matter the invention may further includea manual pressure release valve to allow an operator to decrease thelifting force supplied from the accumulator by venting a significantportion of the compressible medium to the atmosphere. In order to avoidspilling hydraulic fluid, it is preferred that the manual valve beported through the uppermost portion pressure vessel casing into theaccumulator's upper internal region. It is also preferred that themanual pressure release valve be of the type that can be incrementallyopened to release pressure at a rate proportional to the valve's degreeof openness.

[0024] The invention may also include a compressible medium pump forrecharging the accumulator with compressible medium whenever theoperator desires to increase the lift force provided by the accumulator.Since the preferred compressible medium is air, the compressible mediumpump can be an air pump for recharging air to the accumulator.Preferably, the air pump is a foot operated air pump connected to theaccumulator by way of an air line in communication with the upperinternal region enclosed by the pressure vessel casing. The air line mayinclude a desiccant to prevent moisture build-up inside the accumulator.

[0025] The invention may further include a pressure indication gauge incommunication with the pressure inside the accumulator to indicate thepotential lift force that can by provided by the accumulator. It is alsopreferred that the accumulator have a safety pressure release valve ator near the upper most portion of the accumulator's upper internalregion. The safety pressure release valve has closed and open positions.As long as the pressure inside the accumulator is within a predeterminedsafe pressure limit, the safety release valve will remain in the closedposition sealing the pressure vessel casing. However, if the pressureinside the accumulator begins to exceed the predetermined safe pressurelimit, the safety pressure release valve will switch to its openposition and release a portion of the compressed medium to theatmosphere, thereby preventing a dangerous pressure buildup within theaccumulator.

[0026] A turbulence-reducing medium can be included within the pressurevessel casing to prevent fluid from being sprayed out of the safetypressure release valve. The turbulence-reducing medium is preferably arigid mesh or set of fins placed inside the accumulator for preventing asloshing of hydraulic fluid during transient events caused by cylinderactuation and/or pressure release.

[0027] In another embodiment, the accumulator is a pressure vesselcasing enclosing a first compartment and a second compartment, includinga partition between the first compartment and the second compartment.The partition can be a flexible membrane that expands into either thefirst or second compartment in response to a pressure difference betweenthe two compartments. The partition prevents a compressible medium inone compartment from coming into contact with a hydraulic fluidcontained in the other compartment. Hydraulic fluid lines are portedinto the compartment containing the hydraulic fluid and are connectedthrough one or more hydraulic valves to the hydraulic cylinders.

[0028] The apparatus may further include a user support bench, which ispreferably of sufficient length to support the user's head and torso.When combined with the safety device, the head of the bench is mountedbetween the uprights. Preferably, the head of the bench can be raisedand lowered. For example, a vertically adjustable bench support bar mayextend between the uprights, with the head of the bench being supportedon the bench support bar. An additional horizontal mounting bar may beused to attach the uprights to each other. The uprights may also includebarbell rests attachable at various locations along the uprighthousings.

[0029] In order to control the position of the support arms, theapparatus includes a controller accessible by the user when reclined onthe bench. This controller, which may be foot-operated, is used to openthe hydraulic valve, thereby causing pressurized hydraulic fluid toenter the hydraulic cylinders. As a result, the rods of the hydrauliccylinders are extended, raising the support arms and lifting the barbellaway from the user. The hydraulic valve may be partially opened towardsits first position to release a limited volume of fluid to onlypartially support the barbell, or fully opened to overcome all of thebarbell weight, lifting the barbell from the user without the user'sassistance.

[0030] Objects and Advantages

[0031] Accordingly, several objectives and advantages of my inventionare:

[0032] a. to provide a new and novel safety device or apparatus for anindividual engaged in the activity of weight lifting.

[0033] b. To provide a new and novel device that acts instead of aspotter (eliminates need for spotter).

[0034] c. To provide a device that enables the lifter to easily adjustthe rate at which the device assists (raises the weight from) thelifter.

[0035] d. To provide a device that enables the lifter to easily adjustthe amount of assistance provided by the machine.

[0036] e. To provide a device easily set up that can either assist inlifting the weight or lift the weight in its entirety.

[0037] f. To provide a device that when actuated, enables the lifter tocontinue performing repetitions while being assisted.

[0038] g. To provide a device that when actuated by the lifter, does notallow any downward movement of the weight.

[0039] h. To provide a device that does not require electrical power.

[0040] i. To provide a device that can be used with a traditional humanspotter.

[0041] j. To provide a device with a shape, weight and size similar totraditional manual machines.

[0042] k. To provide a device that is adjustable to the lifters bodysize (arm length).

[0043] l. To provide a device that enables the user to exercise with theseat in incline, flat, and decline positions.

[0044] Further objectives and advantages of my invention will becomeapparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045]FIG. 1 Self Spotting Safety Bench press Composite

[0046]FIG. 2 Inner and Front Side of Upright

[0047]FIG. 3 Outer Side of Upright

[0048]FIG. 4 Upright Internal and External Attachments

[0049]FIG. 5 Lifting Arm

[0050]FIG. 6 Adjustable Seat and Weight Rest

[0051]FIG. 7 Adjustable Seat and Weight Rest

[0052]FIG. 8 Hydraulic & Pneumatic System

[0053]FIG. 9 Free Weight Resting Position

[0054]FIG. 10 Preferred Accumulator

[0055]FIG. 11 Alternate Accumulator

[0056] List of Reference Numerals for FIGS. 1-9 1 Upright 2 Uprightsupport 3 Cross bar 4 Seat 5 Seat support bar 6 Slide bar 7 Slide 8Lifting arm 9 Hydraulic cylinder slide attachment 10 Hydraulic cylinderupright attachment 11 Hydraulic cylinder 12 Adjustable weight rest andseat bar support 13 Actuator 14 Slide bearing 15 Accumulator 16Accumulator pump 17 Accumulator air supply line 18 Hydraulic cylinderfluid supply line 19 Adjustable hydraulic fluid flow valve 20 One wayhydraulic flow valve (to cylinder) 21 One way flow valve (toaccumulator) 22 Actuator cables 23 Weight rest support holes 24 Liftingarm slot 25 Hydraulic cylinder slide attachment slot 26 Lift arm supportholes 27 Lift arm semi circles 28 Support pins 29 Cap 30 Centering plate31 Floor plate 32 Seat support bar 33 Barbell

[0057] List of Reference Numerals for FIGS. 10 and 11 34 Preferredaccumulator 35 Pressure vessel casing 36 Upper internal region 37 Lowerinternal region 38 Hydraulic fluid 39 Compressible medium 40 Hydrauliclines 41 Three-way valve 42 Valve first position 43 Valve secondposition 44 Valve third position 45 Port 46 Flow dispersion device 47Manual pressure release valve 48 Compressible medium pump 49 Air line 50Desiccant 51 Pressure indication gauge 52 Safety pressure release valve53 Turbulence-reducing medium 54 Alternate accumulator 55 Pressurevessel casing 56 First compartment 57 Second compartment 58 Partition 59Compressible medium 60 Hydraulic fluid 61 Hydraulic fluid line

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] In the following description, terms such as horizontal, upright,vertical, above, below, beneath, and the like, are used solely for thepurpose of clarity in illustrating the invention, and should not betaken as words of limitation. The drawings are for the purpose ofillustrating the invention and are not intended to be to scale.

[0059]FIG. 1 shows a composite drawing of the device. There are 2uprights (1 a, 1 b) parallel to each other and tilted slightly away fromthe longer side of the seat (4). Two adjustable weight rests and seatsupports (12 a, 12 b) are located on the inner side of each upright.Protruding from the front of each upright (1 a, 1 b) is a lifting arm (8a, 8 b) that extends perpendicular to gravity, and in the direction ofthe seat (4). Each upright (1 a, 1 b) has a support (2 a shown only) andis connected to the other via a cross bar (3). Mounted on the cross baris an Accumulator (15). The accumulator is attached to a pump (16) viaan air supply line (17). The other end of the accumulator is connectedto hydraulic cylinders (11 a, 11 b) via a fluid supply line (18). Thehydraulic cylinders (11 a, 11 b) are mounted at one end to the bottom ofan upright (1 a, 1 b) on the hydraulic cylinder upright attachment (10),and the other end to the hydraulic cylinder slide attachment (9 a, 9 b)that protrudes from the outer side of each upright (1 a, 1 b). Above thecenter of the cross bar (3) is an adjustable seat support bar (32) thatsupports one end of the seat (4). The other end of the seat is supportedby an adjustable vertical seat support (5). Attached to the verticalseat support, close to the floor is an actuator. Actuator cables (22)extend from the actuator to hydraulic fluid valves (see FIG. 8).

[0060]FIG. 2 focuses on upright (1 b). The inner side and front side ofupright (1 b) contains weight rest support holes (23) extendingpartially down the upright. The front of upright (1 b) to the right ofthe holes contains a lifting arm slot (24).

[0061]FIG. 3 shows the outer side of the upright (1 b) containing ahydraulic cylinder slide attachment slot (24) and a hydraulic cylinderupright attachment (10). Contained within the upright are centeringholes for holding the slide bar (6 b) that can be seen in FIG. 4.

[0062]FIG. 4 shows the parts an upright (1 b) contains without theupright itself included. The slide bar (6 b) nearly extends the fulllength of the upright (1 b). Mounted on the slide bar (6 b) is the slide(7 b), which has been fastened with the hydraulic cylinder slideattachment (9 b). In addition, the slide has lift arm support holes (26)and slide bearings (14) at either end. The lifting arm (8 b) is able tobe mounted on the slide (7 b) in various positions.

[0063]FIG. 5 shows lifting arm (8). The slide contact of the lifting arm(8) contains two semi circles (27 a, 27 b). The first is directly behindthe arm extension (27 a) to contact the front of the slide. Thissemicircle contains a pin at its center that coincides with the lift armsupport holes (26). The second semi circle (27 b) contacts the back ofthe slide. This contact point is higher on the slide (7 b) (FIG. 4) thanthe first semicircle. This semicircle arrangement causes the lift armpin (28) to slide out of the lift arm support hole (26) (FIG. 4) whenthe tip of the arm is raised (the pivot pint roughly being between theupper and lower semicircles). This action also causes the semi circlesto no longer tightly contact the slide (7 b), permitting movement of thelifting arm up and down the slide (7 b) enabling adjustment.

[0064]FIGS. 6 and 7 show the adjustable seat and weight rest (12 b).This piece is “u” shaped to partially wrap around an upright (1 b). Itcontains two mounting pins. The first pin is located on the backside ofthe front plate containing the barbell support extension. The second pinis located on the side plate to extend into the inner weight restsupport holes (23). Pin location coincides with the weight rest supportholes (23). Pin location allows the front pin to slide into the restsupport hole (23) when the adjustable seat and weight rest (12 b) isrotated clockwise 90 degrees. With the first pin seated in the supporthole, rotation of the adjustable weight rest (12 b) 90 degrees counterclock wise (with the front pin within the support hole (23) being theaxis of rotation) seats the inner pin in the inner rest support hole(23). This part also has a semicircle attachment mounted on its innermost face. This semicircle is of suitable size and shape to support theseat support bar (32) when attached to an upright.

[0065]FIG. 8 shows the Hydraulic and Pneumatic system that powers theself-spotting bench. The accumulator (15) is connected at one end to anair pump (16) via an air line (17). A hydraulic line (18) exits theaccumulator (15) from the other end and leads to three valves; one-wayvalve to cylinder (20), one-way valve to accumulator (21), and the flowrate valve (19). The hydraulic line then splits and leads to eachhydraulic cylinder (11 a, 11 b).

[0066] Turning now to FIG. 10, another embodiment for an accumulator(34) has no moving parts and no internal partition. Accumulator (34) hasa pressure vessel casing (35) that encloses an upper internal region(36) and a lower internal region (37). Lower internal region (37) isfilled with a hydraulic fluid (38). Upper internal region (36) is filledwith a compressible medium (39) such as air. Hydraulic lines 40 serve asfluid conduits between the hydraulic cylinders of FIG. 1 and lowerinternal region (37). Hydraulic lines (40) are connected to a three-wayhydraulic valve 41 that controls and directs the flow of hydraulic fluidbetween accumulator (34) and the hydraulic cylinders of FIG. 1.Three-way hydraulic valve (41) has a first position (42) that onlyallows hydraulic fluid (38) to flow to the hydraulic cylinders, a secondposition (43) that only allows hydraulic fluid (38) to flow intoaccumulator (34) and a third position (44) that allows hydraulic fluid(38) to flow in either direction.

[0067] Three-way valve (41) is connected to a port (45) that passesthrough pressure vessel casing (35) into lower internal region (37).Also, a flow dispersion device such as a baffle (46) is connected toport (45) to prevent excess air bubbles from forming in hydraulic fluid(38).

[0068] A manual pressure release valve (47) allows an operator todecrease the lifting force supplied from accumulator (34) by venting asignificant portion of compressible medium 39 to the atmosphere.Moreover, a compressible medium pump (38) is included to rechargeaccumulator (34) with compressible medium (39) whenever the operatordesires to increase the lifting force providing by accumulator (34).Preferably, compressible medium pump (38) is a foot-operated air pumpconnected to the accumulator by way of an air line 49 in communicationwith upper internal region (36). A desiccant 50 is included within airline 49 to prevent moisture build-up inside accumulator 34.

[0069] A pressure indication gauge (51) is in communication with upperinternal region (39) to indicate the potential lift force that can beprovided by accumulator 34. Furthermore, a safety pressure release valve(52) is in communication with upper internal region (39) and will ventcompressible medium (39) to the atmosphere in the event the pressureinside accumulator (34) begins to approach a predetermined safe pressurelimit.

[0070] A turbulence-reducing medium (53) is also enclosed by pressurevessel casing (35) to prevent hydraulic fluid (38) from being sprayedout of safety pressure release valve (52). FIG. 10 depictsturbulence-reducing medium (53) as a rigid mesh. However, turbulencemedium (53) can also be a set of fins or a set of baffle plates orpractically any other type of fluid damping medium.

[0071]FIG. 11 shows another alternate accumulator (54) made up of apressure vessel casing (55) having a first compartment (56) and a secondcompartment (57). Compartments (56) and (57) are separated by apartition (58) made from a continuous flexible membrane that prevents acompressible medium (59) in first compartment (56) from coming intocontact with a hydraulic fluid (60) in second compartment (57). At leastone hydraulic fluid line (61) is in communication with secondcompartment (57) to direct hydraulic fluid to and from hydrauliccylinders. Similar to accumulator (15) shown in FIG. 1, alternateaccumulator (54) can be positioned horizontally underneath seat 4.

[0072] Operation

[0073]FIG. 9 shows the barbell (33) free weight starting point held onthe adjustable weight rest and seat bar support (12). The distance fromthe seat (4) (and therefore the lifter) can be adjusted by rotating eachadjustable weight rest 90 degrees away from the upright (1 a, 1 b) usingthe front pin as a pivot point. After being rotated, the adjustableweight rest and seat bar support (12) can be separated from the upright(1) by moving it perpendicular to the upright in the direction thelifting arm (8) extends. The adjustable weight rest and seat bar support(12) can be reattached in other locations performing the reverse ofthese instructions in any other weight rest support hole (23).

[0074] The lifting arm range location can be adjusted upward anddownward to the lifters preference. This is done by tilting the tip ofthe lifting arm (8 a, 8 b) upward, causing the semicircles (27) toseparate from the slide (7) and the support pin (28) to slide out of thelift arm support hole (26). In this position, the lifting arm can beslid up and down the slide (7) then relocated in another position.

[0075] With the barbell held on the adjustable weight rest (12 a, 12 b)the lifter can now set the one-way flow valve to accumulator (21) to beactive. This will allow the lifting arms (8 a, 8 b) to only movedownward. The lifter has two options as to how to depress the liftingarms (8 a, 8 b). The first option is to get in the exercising position,remove the barbell (33) from the adjustable weight rest (12 a, 12 b)allowing the weight to lower and depress the lifting arms (8 a, 8 b),and then start repetitions from the lowest point the bar traveled. Thesecond option is to depress each lifting arm (8 a, 8 b) by hand to apoint where it will not interfere with the exercise until released.

[0076] If the lifter desires an increased or decreased assisting forceexerted on the barbell by the lifting arms, an air adjustment can bemade to the accumulator by either pumping (16) more air in or releasingair. If the rate at which the lifting arm ascends is too slow or fast,the adjustable hydraulic fluid flow valve (19) can also be manipulatedto suit user preference.

[0077] With the lifting arms depressed and equipment adjusted to suitlifter preferences, the repetitions are started. When the lifter needs a“spot” the one way flow valve (to accumulator) is released. Thecompressed air in the accumulator (15) acts as a spring and forceshydraulic fluid through the hydraulic cylinder fluid supply line (17)and into the hydraulic cylinder (11 a, 11 b). The cylinder shaft thenraises the slide (7) causing the attached lifting arm to also rise. Thelifting arms contact the barbell and assist (spot) the lifter. Theopposite of this action occurs when the lifting arms are being depressed(i.e. the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinders (11 a, 11 b) isforced back into the accumulator where potential energy is stored in theform of compressed air.

[0078] With the one-way flow valve (to accumulator) (21) released, thelifting arms (8) will be permitted to move up and down while stillasserting an assisting force on the barbell (33). This allows the lifterto continue by performing assisted repetitions when he/she could nolonger lift the original weight unassisted. Should the upward forcedesired by the lifter exceed the weight of the barbell the entire weightwill be lifted by the machine, not permitting assisted repetitions.

[0079] When the lifter is no longer able to perform the assistedrepetitions (or whenever else the lifter desires) the one way flow valve(to cylinder) (20) can be engaged. This will only allow hydraulic fluidto flow toward the cylinders (11 a, 11 b), thus allowing the liftingarms to raise but not be lowered. This will allow the lifter to lift thebarbell with assistance, and then prevent the barbell (33) from fallingon the lifter when failure occurs.

[0080] The manipulation of the one-way flow valves (21, 22) mentionedabove is accomplished by use of an actuator (13) the exercisermanipulates with his/her lower leg or foot. The Actuator (13) isconnected to the hydraulic valves via actuator cables (22) and pulleytransmission system. When the actuator (13) is kicked once in thedirection of the accumulator (15) the one-way valve to the accumulator(21) will be released. When kicked a second time the one-way valve tothe cylinder (20) will be engaged. The system can then be reset byeither kicking the actuator (13) a third time or manually resetting theone way flow valves (21, 22).

[0081] Due to the stress the exerciser is experiencing during failure,the exercisers leg or foot is likely to contact the actuator withsignificant force. The actuator therefore has a limited range of motionand does not transfer all of this energy to the valves. For the samereason, the actuator is constructed with suitable smooth surface area asto not injure the exerciser when kicked. The design of the actuator (13)shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Alanyard that attaches to the exercisers leg or foot is also feasible.

[0082] Thus the reader will see that the self-spotting safety benchpress of this invention provides a dependable spotting machine thatincreases user safety. The spotting speed and force exerted is fullyadjustable to suit user preferences, as is the spotting arm rangelocation, weight rest position, and seat position. This machine has twospotting modes. The first mode allows the lifter to continue repetitions(up and down) assisted by the machine. The second mode only allowsupward movement, preventing the weight from falling on the lifter.Furthermore, this machine requires no electrical power and is of aweight and size similar to traditional non-spotting bench presses. Theseattributes make this machine more likely to be used in homes and otherprivate residences.

[0083] While the above description contains much specificity, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.Many other variations are possible. For example, the uprights describedabove do not have to be tilted away from the seat extension of thebench. Still, another example is that the spotting device used with thismachine is not to be limited to use with only one type of seat. A seatadjustable to various incline, decline and flat positions and seats infixed positions are all types that can be used with this device.

[0084] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined notby the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for safely supporting a barbellabove a weight lifting bench comprising: a) first and second spaced,elongated uprights positionable on opposite sides of said bench, each ofsaid uprights including a vertically adjustable barbell support having araised position and a lowered position, and at least one hydrauliccylinder having a first end connected to said barbell support and asecond end connected to said upright; b) an accumulator for actuatingsaid at least one hydraulic cylinder, said accumulator having a pressurevessel casing containing a compressible medium and a hydraulic fluid,wherein said compressible medium is precharged to a desired pressure toexert a force on said hydraulic fluid, said accumulator being connectedby at least one fluid line to said at least one hydraulic cylinder; andc) an actuator for controlling the flow of fluid from said accumulatorto said at least one hydraulic cylinder, whereby flow of fluid into saidat least one hydraulic cylinder urges said supports toward their uprightposition.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said uprightsincludes a slotted outer housing, a rod longitudinally aligned withinsaid housing, and a sleeve slidable on said rod, said barbell supportbeing attached to said sleeve and extending outwardly from said uprightthrough said slot, said cylinder first end being connected to saidsleeve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said uprights are tiltedrearwardly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a horizontalattachment member joining said uprights.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,further including a horizontal bench support member extending betweensaid uprights.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actuator ispositioned for access by a user's foot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said uprights include barbell weight rests attached to saiduprights at selected vertical positions.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said pressure vessel includes a first compartment for containingsaid compressible medium and a second compartment for storing saidhydraulic fluid, and a flexible partition between said first and secondcompartments.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least onefluid line further includes a flow disperser to restrict the rate atwhich hydraulic fluid flows into said at least one hydraulic cylinder.10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said accumulator further includesa turbulence-reducing medium to prevent the sloshing of said hydraulicfluid inside said accumulator whenever said hydraulic fluid is inmotion.
 11. An apparatus for safely supporting a barbell during weightlifting comprising: a) a weight bench having a head end and a lower end;b) first and second spaced, elongated uprights positioned on oppositesides of said bench head end, each of said uprights including avertically adjustable barbell support having a raised position and alowered position extending toward said bench lower end, and a hydrauliccylinder having a first end connected to said barbell support and asecond end connected to said upright; c) an accumulator for actuatingsaid at least one hydraulic cylinder, said accumulator having a pressurevessel casing containing a compressible medium and a hydraulic fluid,wherein said compressible medium is precharged to a desired pressure toexert a force on said hydraulic fluid, said accumulator being connectedby at least one fluid line to said at least one hydraulic cylinder; d) apump connected to said accumulator by a compressible medium conduit topump said compressible medium into said accumulator; and e) an actuatorfor controlling the flow of fluid from said accumulator to said at leastone hydraulic cylinder, whereby flow of fluid into said at least onecylinder urges said supports toward their upright position, saidactuator including a valve in said fluid line.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, further including a vertically adjustable bench supportextending between said uprights, the head end of said bench beingsupported on said bench support.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, whereineach of said uprights includes a slotted outer housing, a rodlongitudinally aligned within said housing, and a sleeve slidable onsaid rod, said barbell support being attached to said sleeve andextending outwardly from said upright through said slot, said cylinderfirst end being connected to said sleeve.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein said uprights are tilted rearwardly.
 15. The apparatus of claim11, further including a horizontal attachment member joining saiduprights.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, further including a manualpressure release valve in communication with said compressible medium todecrease the lifting force said urging said supports towards theirupright positions.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, further including asafety pressure release valve in communication with said compressiblemedium to release accumulated inside said pressure vessel casingwhenever the casing's maximum safe operating pressure is beingapproached.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, further including a pressureindication gauge for instantaneously indicating the amount of lift forcethat can be transmitted to said supports.
 19. An apparatus for safelysupporting a barbell during weight lifting comprising: a) a tiltableweight bench for supporting a users head and torso, said bench having ahead end and a lower end; b) first and second spaced, elongated uprightspositioned on opposite sides of said bench head end, each of saiduprights including a slotted outer housing, a rod longitudinally alignedwithin said housing, a sleeve slidable on said rod between a raisedposition and a lowered position, and a horizontal barbell supportattached to said sleeve and extending outwardly from said housingthrough said slot; c) first and second hydraulic cylinders, eachcylinder have a first end connected to one of said barbell supports anda second end connected to said upright housing; d) an accumulator foractuating said first and second hydraulic cylinders, said accumulatorhaving a pressure vessel casing containing air and a hydraulic fluid,wherein the air is precharged to a desired pressure to exert a force onthe hydraulic fluid, said accumulator being connected by fluid lines tosaid first and second hydraulic cylinders; e) a foot-operated pumpconnected to said accumulator by an air line to pump air into saidaccumulator; and f) an actuator for controlling the flow of fluid fromsaid accumulator to said hydraulic cylinders, whereby flow of fluid intosaid cylinders urges said supports toward their upright position, saidactuator including a valve in said fluid line and a valve controlleroperable by said user when said user is positioned on said bench. 20.The apparatus of claim 19, further including a vertically adjustable,horizontal bench support extending between said uprights, the head endof said bench being supported on said bench support.